Sperm Whale, Source Of Ambergris. The Last Image Is Of Actual Ambergris.
I will explain everything about this remarkable whale, which produces the valuable and highly sought-after ambergris, in a simple and precise manner.
The sperm whale is characterized by: a massive, cubical head, the largest of any animal on Earth; a single blowhole on the left side, unlike baleen whales which have two; a dark gray color; a cylindrical body; a very small dorsal fin; and swimming in family pods. All these characteristics identify the male sperm whale.
Description and Characteristics of the Sperm Whale
Size: Male: 16–20 meters, Female: 11–14 meters; Weight: 40–57 tons; Largest brain in the animal kingdom, weighing approximately 9 kg. The loudest sound in the world, emitting:
Sounds exceeding 230 decibels, louder than: the sound of takeoff, the sound of an explosion, and the blue whale itself.
Can its sound harm humans?
Yes, at very close range (less than 5 meters), the sound can be so powerful that it causes internal vibrations that may damage the ear. However, there are no documented cases of a person being "crushed" by the sound, as divers usually maintain a safe distance.
Where do sperm whales live?
They are found in almost all deep seas: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and are rare in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, though they may occasionally enter them. They live at great depths (500–2000 meters) because they feed on: giant squid, colossal squid, and deep-sea fish.
What is ambergris?
The last image is of a real piece of ambergris.
Ambergris is a substance produced inside the intestines of sperm whales when they digest giant squid. Parts of the squid's hard beak are indigestible, so the whale coats them with a waxy substance to protect its intestines. Then, it either excretes them with its feces or spits them up to the surface. After many years in the sea, they harden and float.
Why is ambergris so expensive? Because it is extremely rare, comes only from the sperm whale, and is used in some of the world's most prestigious perfumes, such as Chanel, Dior, and Creed.
How is it used? Ambergris has an amazing ability to fix perfume, deepen its scent, and make it last for days, which is why it is such a valuable material.
The value of ambergris can reach $30,000–$50,000 per kilogram, and sometimes even more depending on its quality, age, and fragrance.